At least nine people have died and 20 are currently undergoing treatment at Capital Bhubaneswar after they allegedly consumed toxic liquor in a post-election celebration in Odisha's Badrak district, the police reported on Wednesday.
The death toll due to consuming 'spurious liqour in Nimaisahi village under Daulatpur panchayat in Tihidi police on Monday night. After the feast, several complained of uneasiness and fell unconscious.
They were rushed to Tihidi Community Health Centre (CHC) and later shifted to the Bhadrak district headquarters hospital when their condition worsened.
Excise Secretary Nikunja Bihari Dhal said that a joint investigation is being conducted by revenue, health, excise and police departments.
“As the incident took place on polling day after voting was over, we are taking the matter seriously.”Nikunja Bihari Dhal, Excise Secretary.
Excise Commissioner Upendra S Punia, who rushed to the area after the incident, told PTI that a forensic team visited the site and collected samples for test.
Additional District Medical Officer PK Khuntia said that the villagers complained of nausea, stomach ache and loss of eyesight after consuming the liquor Monday night.
The district administration has ordered an inquiry to ascertain the cause of death and the circumstances that led to the tragedy, a senior official said.
Mr Punia also said that a clear picture will emerge after samples collected from the area are tested and post-mortem reports of the deceased are available.
The tragedy struck a few hours after polling for the fourth and final phase of simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly elections in the state had concluded.
(With inputs from PTI)
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